Bowling pin handling mechanism



April 12, 1960 M. PATTERSON BOWLING PIN HANDLING MECHANISM 2 Sheecs--Sheet` I Filed Jan. 31, 1956 N O m Y T T m n R vP m D A A E M RY O M @www April 12, 1960 M. PATTERSON BOWLING PIN HANDLING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 3l, 1956 M INVENTOR MOREHEAD PATTERsoN @Q1 MQ SN @w1 v @I BY E Z 'ATTORNEY United States Patent' BOWLING PIN HANDLING MECHANISM Morehead Patterson, New York, N .Y., assigner to American Machine & Foundry Company, a corporation ot New Jersey Application January 31, 1956, Serial No. 562,431

8 Claims. (Cl. 273-43) This invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines and more particularly to apparatus for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley and elevating them to a point of discharge for delivery to a bowling pin spotter for placement on the playing bed of a bowling alley.

Attempts have been made heretofore in the art to provide devices for the systematic and rapid delivery of pins from the pit of a bowling alley to a bowling pin setter. Endless conveyors with pushers have been used wherein the pushers move pins alonga plurality of paths to a point of discharge to a distributor which conveyed them to a bowling pin spotter. In mechanisms of this type, it has been found extremely `dilicult to prevent jams of pins from occurring such that during the operation of a bowling pin spotting machine provided with such con. veying mechanism, interruptions may occur and parts may be broken, thereby necessitating stoppage of operations for repairs. t

The mechanism forming the present invention is one which is characterized by the simplicity of its construction and operation, and also its ability to receive, han dle and remove bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley and deliver them to a point of discharge to suitable distributing means for delivering to a bowling pin spotter.

A preferred embodiment of the invention consists generally of Va rotatable rim wheel pin elevating conveyor located in the pit of a bowling alley, and preferably positioned at the rear and transversely thereof. The conveyor wheel preferably is driven continuously during theoperation of the bowling `pin spotting machine and is so positioned, that pins falling' in any manner into the pit of a bowling alley or discharged thereinto by means provided for that purpose are delivered into the range of operation of pockets formed by spaced radially positioned members arranged along the inner periphery of the wheel conveyor. The rim wheel conveyor may be termed as having a generally U-shape or channel form in crosssection. The circumferential spacing of the radial members which form the pin holding pockets is such that only one pin can seat itself in a pocket. Thus, when several pins are `discharged from the pit linto the range of operation of the rim wheel conveyor, and more than one pin attempts to seat itself in a given pocket, as the result of its rotation, all Vpins but one will roll or gravitate downwardly until one by one they are seated in empty pockets which convey them upwardly to a point of discharge. In order to assist in locating and holding pins in the pockets, there may be provided an arcuate baie or suitably curved guide plate means or supporting members spaced from the inner periphery of the rim wheel conveyor a distance sufficient to allow a .pocket carrying a properly seated pin `to move therepast. In order to properly position pins in the pockets, there are provided guide means coacting therewith for directing such pins backwardly into the receiving position of pins in the rim wheel conveyor. Upon discharge from the wheel TTiee conveyor pins are delivered to a pin spotter which is pronism for properly operating and distributing the pins.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bowling pin conveying apparatus for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley and elevating them to a point ot discharge therefrom during delivery to a pin setter.

lt is a further object of the invention to provide a novel pin elevating device for use in a bowling pin spotting machine consisting of a rotatable rim wheel having pocket forming members mounted along the interior periphery thereof for carrying pins out of the pit of an alley and delivering them at an elevated position in order that they may be conveyed to a bowling pin spotter for placement on a bowling pin alley. Y

The invention is further characterized by the provision of a novel rotatable wheel type bowling pin elevator having an inwardly directed generally U-shaped channel provided with spaced pockets for receiving pins and conveying them to an elevated point of discharge. The `invention is further characterized by novel means coacting with the pockets for holding pins in properly arranged position therein for movement to the therefrom.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters are applied to corresponding parts throughout the views which make up the drawings in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of the mechanism shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a partial front elevation of a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional side elevation of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 3.

Mechanism embodying the invention is readily adaptable for use in an automatic bowling pin spotting ma'- chine of the type shown in Dumas Patent 2,692,139. It is to be understood, however, that the structure disclosed herein can also be adapted for use in other bowling pin spotting machines using conveying mechanism for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley and delivering them to pin distributing devices.

Referring to the drawings, in Figures l and 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment of my novel bowling pin conveying apparatus designated generally C, in opc a suitable pin spotter (not shown).

The bowling pin handling and conveying apparatus comprises a rotatable rim wheel conveyor 2i), located along one wall of pit P, and preferably at the rear thereof. Wheel Ztl extends transversely of pit P with its outer peripheral edges spaced closely adjacent kickbacks K. Referring to `Figure 2, it will be seen that wheel 2li is formed with an inwardly directed generally U-shaped peripheral channel. This channel consists of an annular front plate 2li, and an annular rear plate 23 attached to or formed integrally with cylindrical member 25.

Conveyor wheel 2d is mounted for rotation on spaced sets of ilanged rollers 22 and 24, one set being mounted on each side of pit P (see Figure l). Rollers 22 and 24 are rotatably supported on shafts 26 mounted in brackets 23 suitably attached to the oor of pit P.

point of discharge Aj ner.

Wheel conveyor 20 may be driven in any suitable man- As shown in Figures l and 2, it is provided with a track 30 secured along its outer periphery. Running in trackl) isa driving V-belt 32, which also runs on pulley 34 xed to shaft 36 of motor 38 attached to the machine frame designated' generally F. So long as motor 38 is in operation, wheel conveyor Ztl will be rotated at a suitable speed to receive, handle and elevate bowling pins from pit P and deliver them to distributor D. YWheel conveyor 20 is provided with a plurality of pin compartments or pockets di). These are formed on the inner peripheral surface 42 of wheel 26. In the form of invention disclosed in Figures l and 2, pockets 4G cornprise a frusto-conical base d4 which constitutes the bottom of the pockets, and spaced radially extending members 46 formed integrally with or suitably attached to the inner face of base 44. Base 44 is suitably attached along one edge to rear plate or flange -23 adjacent its junction with member Z5. lts other edge is attached to front plate or flange 21 of rim wheel conveyor 2d. See FigureZ. Y n

Members 46 are spaced substantially equidistantly along the interior of rim wheel conveyor 2i? and at a spacingrsuch as to allow ample room for one pin to be seated in a pocket 40. As indicated in Figure 2, the shape of base 44 is such that each bowling pin delivered by pit belt 50 gravitates or slides downwardly into position to be received and seated in a pocket 40. The front ends of members 46 preferably are provided with rounded-portions 43 which assist in the reception of pins in pockets 40.

Pins falling into pit P or discharged thereinto by a sweep' (not shown) come to rest on a continuously moving conveyor Sil which travels them rearwardly in the pit and discharges them onto a guide plate 52 whence they slide or fall into the range of operation of wheel conveyor 2t).- The pitch of guide plate :'52 which is located transversely of pit P and is mounted on bracket Sasupported on the, alley iloor is the same as that of base 44. These pins sliding down iguide 52 tend to slide into pockets 40. lf a given pocket is filled, other pins conveyed into delivering position relative to pockets dll adjacent guide plate 52, will be moved about until empty pockets come along, and can receive such pins. l

In order to insure that pins on conveyor belt Sil will be guided properly onto guide plate 52, there are provided spaced vertical stationary guides 56 attached to kickbacks K and extending outwardly therefrom towards each other and terminating adjacent the point of discharge of pins from conveyor belt t). This pit convey or belt may be similar in construction and operation as that shown and described in Dumas Patent 2,692,139.

In the installation illustrated in Figure l, rim wheel conveyor 20 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by the arrows. Bowling pins lyingl in pockets 40 are conveyed upwardly to a point of discharge into distributor-D, which may be similar to that disclosedA in Dumas Patent 2,692,139. Since the distributor does not Vform a specific part of this invention further showing and description is Adeemed unnecessary.

Continued rotation of conveyor. Ztl causes pins seated or lying in pockets 4t), either head end or butt end for-- ward, as viewed in Figure 1, to move upwardly past shroud plate 5S of shroud 60 attached to bracket 62 fastened to one of the kickbacks K. See Figure 2. Pins not seated in pockets 49 engaging the outwardly curved endr57 of Shroud plate 5S, fall downwardly on conveyor 20 and'become seated in Vempty pockets. Plate d operatesV to hold pins in pockets 40 until such time as they are moved to the point ot `discharge 64 into chute 65 of distributor D. It will be noted that all pins whether discharged head Vend or butt end foremost are 'received between spaced belts 66 Vof distributor D where each pin assumes the position of the pin shown in Figures l and 2. Thus when discharged from beltsxd, each pin is moved butt end forward by conveyor 68 for delivery to the pin spotter (not shown). Chute 65 is mounted on bracket 67 suitably supported on shaft '70 lixedly mounted in the machine frame. Shroud 60 is provided with a ange 72 preferably forming lan integral part of shroud plate 58. Flange 72 extends substantially the full length of shroud plate SS. As shown in Figure l, flange 72 prevents bowling pins from sliding out of pockets #til until they are discharged at discharge station 64 into chute 65.

in the modified form of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, rim wheel conveyor 120 comprises an annular front'plate 121 and an annular rear plate v123 which with cylindrical section form an inwardly directed, substantially U-shaped channel. Spaced equldistantly along the U-shaped channel are radial spaced members 146 which form pin receiving andrconveying pockets 140. Radial members 146 are suitably'attached at their ends to the inside faces of plates 1,21, 123 and to the interior face of cylindrical section 125. Rim wheel conveyor 126i is driven in the directionof arrow A, Figure 3 in the same general manner as rim wheel conveyor 2h shown in Figures l and 2. For this purpose, a pulley track 130 is secured along the outer periphery of rim wheel conveyor 120. Running in track ilris a driving belt 132 which in turn runs on and is driven by a suitable pulley (not shown) on the shaft of a driving nurl tor (not shown) or other suitable source of power.

Rim wheel conveyor 12d is supported for rotation ou sets of rollers 122 rotatably supported on shaft 126m brackets 12S suitably attached to the lloor of pit l.

Bowling pins are delivered into the range `of operation of pockets in conveyor 120 by conveyorV beltV 15e. Pins are guided by spaced converging guides mour ed on kickbacks K onto inclined guide plate 152 down which they slide into the U-shaped channel of rim wheel conveyor 120. Y n

One or more pins may arrive in the U-s'haped channel at substantially the same time, and all of these pins cannot become seated at once in a pocket 140 and some may be carried upwardly as conveyor 120 rotates in the directionrof arrow A. Although the direction of rotation of conveyors 20 and 120 is shown as counterclockwise in Figures 1 and 3, it should be readily apparent that the direction of rotation could be clockwise2 ii desired.

Excess pins or pins not seated in pockets-140 either fall back downwardly into the lower portions of the U-shaped channel, or engage the curvedend 157 of a concentric shroud plate 15S. Shroud plate 158 extends, as viewed in Figure 3, from a point about 25 from horizontal, -to

a point adjacent the discharge station 164 where-pins drop off shroud plate 15S' into chute 16S for delivery to orienting and conveying belts 166 of distributor D.

Shroud plate y158 which maintains pins in their respective, pockets until they reach dischargestation 16%, is attachedv to bracket 162 suitably/'mounted onV one of thekicio-` backs K.

What l claim is:

1. Apparatus for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley and elevating then-rito a pin discharge station, comprising `a rotary member having asubstantially U-shaped annular peripheral channel with the legs of said U directed inwardly towards the center of rotation of said member, means mounting. said member ai one side of the pit of a bowling alley, means in said pit from said'guide plate, the Ysides ofsaid fruslo-rconical member being substantially inline with*said guide plate,

w-herebylpinsY directed `by said guide plate'int'o said chan-v nel tend to slide into and become seated in said pockets on said frusto-conical member, and means coacting with said U-shaped channel and spaced from the free ends of said spacer plates for supporting pins in said pockets until they `are discharged therefrom at said discharge station.

2. Apparatus for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley comprising a pit having a recessed portion at one side thereof, `a rotary pin receiving and conveying member mounted at said side of said pit with a portion thereof extending into said recessed portion, guide means for delivering pins from said pit into said member, means mounting said member for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, a plurality of spaced pin holding pockets formed on the inner peripheral face of said member, a frusto-conical member mounted in said channel with the base thereof remote from said guide means, said frusto-conical member forming the bottoms of said pockets, the sides of said truste-conical member being substantially in line with said guide means, where by pins directed by said guide means into said channel tend to slide into and become seated in said pockets, means for maintaining pins seated in said pockets until said pins are discharged therefrom at a discharge station, and means for continuously rotating said member.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said rotary pin receiving and conveying member comprises a generally U-shaped annular peripheral channel with the legs of said U directed inwardly towards the center of rotation of said members, and a device having pin receiving means located at said discharge station and within and beneath said legs of said channel for receiving pins discharged from said pockets.

4. The apparatus dened in claim Zincluding a device for receiving pins delivered from said pockets at said discharge station, said device including a guide plate and spaced belts coacting therewith for receiving pins delivered by said guide plate and orienting said pins for butt end forward delivery by said conveyor belts.

5. In a bowling pin spotting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pit at one end thereof, mechanism for elevating pins from said pit comprising a member having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, and an internal annular peripheral pin receiving channel, means for rotating said member to move successive portions of said channel through said pit to receive pins therefrom, spaced radially-extending members mounted in said internal annular peripheral channel, said radially-extending members being spaced less than the length of a bowling pin and forming with said channel a plurality of pin receiving and conveying pockets, means in said pit for delivering pins into said pockets with their major axes disposed longitudinally relative to said alley, and stationary mechanism mounted along the path of travel of pins for a portion of their movement in said pockets for maintaining said pins positioned in said pockets, said mechanism being operative to prevent more than one pin from being seated in a pocket, a pin discharging station located above said pit, a pin distributing device positioned at said pin discharging station for receiving pins seriatim and conveying said pins to a pin spotter, said stationary mechanism terminating adjacent said pin discharge station to permit the discharge of single pins in succession from said pockets at said discharge station.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said peripheral channel is substantially U-shaped with the legs of said U directed inwardly towards the center of rotation of said member.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 including spaced sets of rollers mounting said member for rotation at one side of said pit, and wherein said means in said pit for delivering pins into said pockets includes a downwardly directed guide plate.

8. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said pin distributing dev-ice includes a guide member and spaced conveyor belts co-acting with said. guide member for receiving pins delivered therefrom and orienting said pins for butt end forward travel by said conveyor belts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,190,645 Hedenskoog July 11, 1916 1,190,650 Hedenskoog July 1l, 1916 1,706,271 Williams Mar. 19, 1929 2,341,476 Parra et al. Feb. 8, 1944 2,676,016 Whipple et al. Apr. 20, 1954 2,686,053 Phillips Aug. 10, 1954 2,767,983 Holloway et al. Oct. 23, 1956 

